Lucchino: Sox, Cubs have talked

FORT MYERS — The Cubs and Red Sox agree on one thing: They’ve both grown long tired of the Theo Epstein compensation talks.

The Sox, however, are willing to put up with the exhaustion a little longer due to their dissatisfaction with the original trade.

Right-hander Chris Carpenter, the main piece acquired by the Red Sox from the Cubs for Epstein, had surgery on his pitching elbow Thursday. The ailment left the Sox wondering whether they received damage goods in Carpenter, and if so, whether they deserve recourse.

“(General manager) Ben Cherington has had some discussions with the Cubs exploring this issue, but there is nothing to comment on beyond that right now,” Red Sox team president and CEO Larry Lucchino said yesterday.

Before the trade was completed, the Red Sox examined the medical records of Carpenter, who passed the team’s physical. Thus, it doesn’t appear the team can blame Chicago for knowingly dealing a hurt pitcher.

Epstein was unavailable for comment, but a Cubs source said the team feels bad for both Carpenter and the Red Sox, whom Chicago believes purely are victims of bad timing.

Thus, the Cubs likely will resist sending any additional players to the Sox for their former GM.

However, one thing working in the Red Sox’ favor is the positive relationship between both teams’ baseball operations staffs. Although still a longshot, a minor restructuring of the deal could be made due to that relationship.

An additional fallout from this story: If the Red Sox believe Carpenter was hurt when he arrived, then the question of how the club’s restructured medical team missed the injury must be raised.

Lucchino, meanwhile, said the Red Sox have not contacted the commissioner’s office in regards to the matter.

The Cubs also sent reliever Aaron Kurcz to the Red Sox as part of compensation for Epstein. The Sox traded infielder Jair Bogaerts to Chicago.

As for Carpenter, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine expected the pitcher, who had surgery in Alabama, back in Fort Myers yesterday. A timetable for his return is unknown.